I want to see if the spring works on my 77 first. I don't want to bend it for the 319 and then have it not work on the 77 :>

~laffin~ Only a bit...

I'm looking for a source for them. I don't think they are still made. I usually find them in cabinet drawers, parts boxes, etc. There is currently being made a Schmetz Universal Spring Needle. The spring comes on the needle. I do think that the needle can be changed out. I have not had any feed back about them. I can order them from my wholesaler
and you should be able to find the "needle spring" at quilt stores.
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Candace,

The bending actually makes it works better on any machine. Should work on the 77.

Cathy

I wonder if the plastic part would make the change between one needle and another. The spring I have looks like a ball point ink pen spring with a bit of modifying. I thought I had a pic of it on here somewhere.

I just tried it on the 77 and I think it would work if I bend it. I've been hesitant to do so before trying it on several of my hard to fit machines. It seems a better fit as it doesn't hit any needle bar parts or thread guides. Here's a pic of the 319 with the spring so everyone can see what I mean. It hits and rubs against the thread guide and doesn't fit around the needle bar. I assume it can be adjusted around the needle bar but the thread guide issue is kind of a pain as Miriam knows first hand how removing and getting this thread guide back on the 319 is. It's very tricky to get back on as there is an internal part to the thread guide that is a hassle to get back in correctly. I don't know if an adjustment around the thread guide would be possible.

I have a needle with that spring that I bought YEARS ago. I think I've tried it with the 319 and no luck, but I'll give it another go and report back.

That is the thing like I have - I just love it! Looks like a ball point pen spring somebody bent... Nah.

Take note, I do believe this lady is FMQ without a "darning foot/spring", looks to be a stationary foot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tcy2dse68M

EUREKA!!!! Cathy, you are brilliant. That spring needle you pictured is the absolutely BEST FMQ tool for the 319 I've found. Here's the thing. I've had it forever and haven't used it with the 319 because it never dawned on me that the needle could be removed and replaced. I had assumed it was factory made to be replaced with the needle, if and when it was dull or broken. So, I had basically counted it out considering the 319 takes specialty 206 x 13 needles. When you mentioned that you thought other needles could be inserted that really got me motivated.

First, I removed the spring using my fingernail. I inserted the 206 size 12 needle and it worked, but not great. I was getting some skipped stitches. So, I tried the size 14 and it was a bit harder to install in the spring. As you can see by the photo the length of the needle is different and it took me a while to get the spring to sit on the sweet spot of the needle and yet to allow it to insert fully into the needle holder clamp. But, after a minute or two of playing with it, I got it just right in the spring and did the best FMQ ever on the 319! I'm so exicited to have this machine as an option. I was using junk thread so hope to have better results using quality thread;> I FMQ a lot and spend countless hours doing so. So...having machines that do a good job with it is very important to me.

So, thanks Cathy for giving me this option as it's great. I'm going to use the spring attachment I received from you on my Rotary 77.

I would suggest that anyone interested in FMQ on their 319 to buy one of these spring needles!

The problem with that for me, is the fabric and stitching is obscured by a regular foot I do a lot of detailed FMQ and I have to see the lines very well and have complete control of the quilt sandwich. Also, the foot pressure can only be released so far. I tried it like that on the 319 and it was a no go. Of course, your mileage will vary with different machines.